We can only imagine what John is feeling right now. Words probably can’t even come close. This has been an unwavering goal for so many years. So many mushers never get to this place that he is right now. Congratulations- The first of many!!

Official posting shows that John Baker and Ramey Smyth had identical times from Elim to White Mountain. Smyth arrived 50 minutes after Baker so that may be enough of a lead to hold. 50 minutes is about the 6-7 mile lead that Baker held the entire way. John can leave at 6 after midnite on his way to Nome. Would this be the first Inupiaq to win??

John Baker just arrived into White Mountain. Ramey Smyth is about 7 miles behind him. That’s not quite an hour lead into the checkpoint and an 8 hour mandatory rest stop. They’ll get a vet check, some food, some sleep, and be ready to do a night run into Nome. Looking like a morning finish for the front runners.

John Baker’s lead has dwindled to 6 miles. That’s about 30 minutes. He is 10 miles out of White Mountain and “Home Free” for the 8 hour layover. 30 minutes may or may not be enough to best a rested Smyth team on the way to Nome. Man I wish I was going to be in Nome!! This is going to be a good one!